Students with children

The Early Years Education Centre provides 160 places at the South Kensington Campus for children aged six months to five years. Part-time places are available. You may also be able to access financial help towards the costs. Please note that a waiting list applies.

Support and advice regarding maternity leave is also available for all students.

Doctors and dentists

Even if you’re fit and healthy, we recommend that all students register with a local doctor (GP) when they arrive.

If you live within the extended catchment area, you will be eligible to register at the NHS Health Centre located on our South Kensington Campus. Students living elsewhere will need to register with a local GP, but can still use the NHS Health Centre services during the day.

The Dental Surgery is next to the Health Centre, and offers a range of NHS and private treatments.

International students

All students on a course of six months or longer who require a visa to study in the UK need to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge as part of their visa application. This entitles you to care from the UK’s National Health Service for the duration of your stay.

EEA and Swiss students should obtain a European Health Insurance Card before coming to the UK in order to get access to the NHS.

Counselling and mental health advice

You will be offered an initial meeting with a counsellor to talk about your difficulties and to discuss whether counselling might be helpful for you. This may be a starting point to another source of help, such as our specialist Student Mental Health Advisers, who offer support and advice to students affected by significant or enduring mental health difficulties, and our Study Mentors: Mental Health, who can help you keep on track with academic work. Life Skills workshops are also available.

If you prefer to speak to a fellow student, Nightline is a confidential helpline and listening service staffed by trained students for term-time support through the night and into the early hours of the morning.

2 column: money and world faith

Money and budgeting

If you find that you're struggling with money issues then there are people you can turn to for help. The Student Financial Support team is there to answer any questions you may have relating to student financial support, for example regarding loans, scholarships and studentships. They can also offer you helpful advice on money management.

If you suddenly find yourself in financial difficulties or experience an unexpected change in circumstances, you may be eligible to apply for emergency financial help through the Student Support Fund. The Fund offers a one-off payment of up to £2,000 to cover such emergencies as last-minute accommodation and travel, equipment and childcare. It does not have to be repaid.

World faiths

The Chaplaincy Multi-Faith Centre is made up of a team of Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, and Muslim Chaplains and Faith Advisors. They have their own building on our South Kensington Campus and many different groups use the space for discussion, worship, meditation and social meeting.

In addition, the Chaplaincy runs mindfulness meditation classes, offers one-to-one support for personal and faith concerns, and can provide information on local places of worship.

More than 10 of Imperial College Union’s student societies are faith-based to help you meet like-minded students.

There is also a student-run Islamic prayer room on campus, and separate areas available for male and female Muslims.